Shifting Currents: Hespress and El País Framing of Irregular Migration Before and After Spain’s Recognition of the Moroccan Sahara

Abstract

This study investigates how Hespress and El País have framed irregular migration before and after Spain’s policy shift regarding the Sahara. The objective is to examine how a foreign policy change can influence migration narratives in national media. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative content analysis of articles from two pivotal moments: the 2021 Ceuta border crisis and the 2023 post-recognition period. During the Ceuta crisis, Hespress used the “Humanitarian Crisis and Abandonment” and “Colonial Mindset and Political Extortion” frames, emphasizing migrant suffering and perceived Spanish betrayal. After Spain endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan, coverage transitioned to “Partnership and Cooperation” and “Development-Driven Migration,” highlighting diplomatic alignment. El País initially employed the frames “Instrumentalized Humanitarianism” and “EU Security and Spain’s Sovereignty,” portraying migrants as both victims and instruments in Morocco’s strategy. Later, it adopted the “Strategic Partnership and Stability” and “Managed Migration” frames, presenting migration as structured and cooperative. The findings demonstrate how diplomatic developments can reshape media narratives. This study highlights the media’s role in aligning migration framing with political agendas and shaping public perceptions of cross-border movement.